Barker hearing reset

A preliminary hearing for a local Rolla business woman, originally set for today, has been re-scheduled for May 9.

Julia Mangogna

A preliminary hearing for a local Rolla business woman, originally set for today, has been re-scheduled for May 9.

Cristie Barker, 46, the former Director of Metro Business College was charged with stealing more than $25,000.

According to a probable cause statement, those figures go as high as $85,315.82.

Phelps County Prosecuting Attorney Courtney George said, “Because of the number of witness’s called for the prosecution, it was necessary to move the hearing to a day when there was not so many other cases being heard.”

Barker came under suspicion in May, and her employment at Metro was terminated in June.

Shortly after leaving Metro Business College, Barker was hired as a director of community resources at Phelps County Community Partnership.

Barker originally served as both community director of resources and coordinator of Fit Phelps, a program within the Partnership.

Her position was reduced to Coordinator of Fit Phelps, after charges were filed against her.

Executive Director for the Community Partnership Amy Beechner-McCarthy confirmed that Barker was no longer employed with the Partnership at this time.

Beechner-McCarthy would not confirm whether Barker resigned or was let go.

“I just can’t discuss any employee or former employee issues,” said Beechner-McCarthy.